31 January - Birendra Bir Bikram Shah became the 12th King of Nepal

 

Birendra Bir Bikram Shah, born on 28 December 1945, became the 12th King of Nepal on 31 January 1972. He succeeded his father, King Mahendra, who passed away on 31 January 1972. Birendra's full title was "Birendra Bir Bikram Shah Dev."

King Birendra played a significant role in the constitutional changes that Nepal underwent during his reign. In 1990, facing pro-democracy movements, he agreed to constitutional reforms that established a multiparty democracy and reduced the monarchy's powers. These changes transformed Nepal from an absolute monarchy to a constitutional monarchy.

Tragically, King Birendra and several members of the royal family were killed in the Royal Palace Massacre on 01 June 2001. The circumstances surrounding the massacre were the subject of investigation and debate. After his death, his brother Gyanendra Bir Bikram Shah ascended to the throne.

The events of 01 June 2001, had a profound impact on Nepal, leading to political and social changes. The country continued to undergo political transformations in the following years, including the abolition of the monarchy and the establishment of the Federal Democratic Republic of Nepal in 2008.